Friday, August 31, 2012

Phantom of the Opera Blog Hop



Pam of The Crazier Sister decided to have a Phantom of the Opera blog hop.  We were to create jewelry based on this very famous opera.  If you would like more information please visit this site..
This is one of my very favorite operas, so I just had to join in the fun.  My necklace is for Christine.  I can picture it on her while she is in the Phantom's lair, or while with Raul and they are singing "All I ask".



The red represents love and the white pearls represent her innocence.


I did bead weaving for the center piece, I used Swarovski crystals and fresh water pearls for this piece.  This was my first time doing a bezeled rivoli, I will be making many more.  I also stitched the toggle clasp.  Please visit Pam and the other participants in this blog hop. Thanks for taking the time to see my interpretation.  I still have more ideas and may just have to make a few more pieces based on this opera.  Thanks Pam!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

BSBP 6- Reveal # 3!

This is the third and final reveal of the 6th BSBP.  I was in reveal # 2 and I am in this one too!  I just love getting and giving beads.  For this reveal date my partner is Michelle Escano-Cabellero of http://cabbycraft.blogspot.com/
Michelle is a mixed media and polymer clay artist.  She also makes amazing cards. 

Let me show you the really cool soup mix I received from Michelle.  She made the polymer clay focal. 
Picture borrowed from Michelle's blog.
This is what I designed with the beads she sent.   I did a cubic right angle weave.  This was my first time doing this bead stitch, I seem to be doing that a lot lately.  J  I did the bead  weaving for the front of the necklace and attached the focal using a peyote bail.  I then made beaded links using the beautiful crystal beads Michelle sent me, I added some onyx and tigers eye.  One of the things I really enjoy about these challenges is the challenge and the opportunity to push myself. I was able to use the clasp and the focal in one piece and really love the end result.  This necklace is going to be a gift to my Mother, I know she will really love it. 



Thanks Michelle, it was great being your partner.  Please visit her blog and see what she made with the bead soup I sent her, I am sure it is amazing!
Also borrowed from Michelle's blog---her pics are so much better!

Michelle also has a FB page and you can follow her on pinterest. Go show her some love :)


Please either visit Lori Anderson’s blog or you can use the links below.  Have fun and enjoy all the amazing designs, I know I will!

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming
Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones
Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'
Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage
Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads
Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog
Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash
Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution
Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents
Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory
Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen
Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation,  Art Food Lodging

Hannah Annear, Squintessential
Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs

Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show

Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities

Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN

Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi

Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry

Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog

Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo

Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila

Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs


Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design

Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs

Sunday, August 19, 2012

BSBP 1 and 2 reveal update...and other stuff.

I feel that I must give you all an apology if I have not made it to your blog post about your BSBP reveal, and unfortunately this is a great deal of you!  I was in reveal 2 and am also in reveal 3.  I am currently working on my piece for reveal 3 and I can give you a little teaser...it is something I have never done before....I love learning new techniques.  The hardest part for me in this process is finding the time to go to all the blogs, I like to be able to sit and read the stories behind the creations, but with two little ones finding that time is not always easy.



For those of you that regularly follow my blog you will know that we have been going tthrough some major changes in our household and although some are good it still is very stressful.  My step-daughter has come to live with us....YEA!!! It has really been great having her around on a daily basis, and the boys just love it too!  Alex, turned 19 on the 29th of July and decided he really did not want to get his high school diploma or GED and made the decision to leave us early this past week, we feel like this is not the best or wisest decision but as he is of age and we are not legal guardians we could not force him to stay.  My husband had given him a job and he was able to save a bit of money and felt he was ready to leave, I was really saddened by his decision.  But all I can do now is continue to pray for him. 
I had a car accident, fortunately no one was hurt, had to change my cell phone and then had a flat tire


Yesterday Noah my dare-devil, accident prone amazing sweet child caused me just a little bit more stress.  I was loading my car with getting ready to head to the country and had parked the car in front of the house and he was in the car.  I had the car running and the back was open.  I had finished loading and locked and shut the door to the house, told Jacob to get in the car and I shut the hatch.  As soon I it closed I thought oh no! It was like instinctively I knew that he had locked the door. 



Unlike this picture Noah had his nose pressed against the passenger window laughing, etc. But I did feel like he was just dangling the keys in front of my face.
 So now the two year old is in the car and it is locked and Mommy can not get in, needless to say it was also incredibly hot.  Noah was OK and thought it was all a great game, he had A/C and was making Mommy beg him to push the lock up!  All he would do was push it down :(  Keith was already at the lodge and I am sure many of you will understand there are times when you just want to solve the problem before calling your husband.  So I called my Sister and Alan, they came over and they also tried to convince Noah to unlock the door.  I decided that it was time to call the locksmith and they told me it would be 30 minutes before they made it to the house.  My Sister says, "911 will open the door for free, since a kid is in the car"  we call them and right before the officer shows up....Noah opens the door!  You hear about these kinds of things and think how could that Mother let that happen, or she must not be a very good mother, but it really amazes me how quickly things can happen.  I would not say I was the best Mother, that title must go to my own Mother, but I know I do a pretty good job.  Oh and I forgot to tell you earlier in the day my same sweet Noah locked us out of the bathroom.  The joys of Motherhood.





Well when I started this post it was just supposed to be a sweet short apology letting you all know that even though I have not made it to your blog yet, I WILL.  It just takes me more time to visit them all.  But I love seeing all of the wonderful creations and getting inspired by them.  Please come back on Saturday to see what I created with the lovely soup sent to me by my partner Michelle Escano-Cabellero.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Can't live without a cell phone!!

We have had many major changes in our household lately and one resulted in me having to switch cell phone carriers, because I no longer get adequate coverage with my current cell phone...uggg...I hate having to deal with such issues.  Well my dear sweet husband is helping me to make the transition and today I had to turn in my phone that I love. But how good is a phone that has no cell coverage? I was to turn in the old phone and get the new phone later this afternoon, OK not that big a deal....I would be without a phone for a few hours or so, I could survive, right!?!?! 

I turned in the phone and left the store feeling so NAKED!  It was actually really weird. But like I said I would survive.  So what I would have to drive down I-20 and listen to the radio and not chat on the phone, I can do this, so here I am driving down I-20 to pick up our five year old from school and I hear this  weird noise that I think...oh no, could that be my tire!  And mind you I have only had this new to me vehicle for a few days.  I had a car accident about a week ago and was without a car for too long.  I was so happy to get a set of wheels again that would get me from here to there.  OK, so back to the cell phone, yes the noise and funny vibration I heard and felt were indeed my flat tire! 

 I was without a cell phone for less than an hour and already needed it for much more than just idle conversation as I traveled I-20!  I pulled over (in a construction zone no less) and had to flag down a construction worker in his bull-dozing tractor and ask him could I please use his cell phone.  Of course he let me and I called the hubby and said please come rescue me!  Which of course he did.



Yes, after all, tomorrow is another day and it will be a GOOD day!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Bead Soup Blog Party 6 Reveal 2!

The time has finally come for me to reveal my creation for the BSBP 6 reveal #2.  My partner is Sara Oehler of Soft Flex.  She sent me a really great soup mix.  Although I loved the lovely Andy Ray focal the smaller size was challenging. I wanted to do something else to really bring it into center focus.  I also wanted to use the Soft Flex beading wire she sent me since I normally do not use this material.  The challenge of these parties is one of the best parts for me.

As a reminder here is what Sara sent me.

The first piece I made utilized the focal.  I used the purple beading wire to attach the focal to the fan that I enameled.  I could not just stop there so I used the really cute dangles that Sara sent me on the bottom of the fan, I am very pleased with the final result of the focal.  I then added some of my purple and black enameled bead and used some black artistic wire mesh.  This was the first time I have used it and I LOVE it.  The mesh was fun to use and really very forgiving.  You can stretch it and then pull it back if you do not like the look.  I am really pleased with how this necklace turned out.  I was able to use several new materials and came up with a necklace that I love!  Fun, fun, fun!





Since I was having such a good time I wanted to continue on that path.  For this design I used the other required element, the wonderful toggle clasp.  I also used the beautiful Czech beads I received and made one of my favorite style bracelets, one with lots of dangles and sparkle.  In addition to the beads I received from Sara I added Swarovski crystal and some other Czech crystal and flower beads.

This is the soup I sent Sara, please visit her blog and see what she designed. Sara will be on the television program  Jewel School on August 15th and 16th between 10am and 12pm (EST).  If you can please tune in and watch. She said that since this is so close to our reveal date she might even bring her finished design to show on air.  How exciting!


I hope you have enjoyed my creations  and please feel free to leave any comments, I really appreciate them all.

I would also like for you to visit the other participants in this BSBP, you can link to them from here or you may visit our Hostess Lori Anderson's blog.

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs
Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs
Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 
Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 
Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 
Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 
Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations
Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios
Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 
Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 
Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 
B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 
Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi
Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 
 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box
Carmen Lau, Little Maketto
Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine
Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio
Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry
Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 
Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life
Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing
Dhea Powers, Java Bead


Diana Welte, Lilyweeds
Dita Basu, alankarshilpa
Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs
Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works
Francy Inman, Francy's Studio


Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...
Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland
Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 
Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 
JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery
Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs
Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio
Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads


Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk
Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 
 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast
JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery
Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 
Kim Dworak, CianciBlue
Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae


Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs
Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
Lennis Carrier, Windbent
Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More
Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead
Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders


Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays
Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?
Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead
Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog
Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental
Lori Finney, Using My Beads
Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja
Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads
Marian Hertzog, M's Place


 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.
Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings
MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 
Martha Aleo, Ornamento
 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder
Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor
Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.
Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs


Pam Farren, re-maker
Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs
Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams
Patty Miller, CabariBeads
Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres
Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates
Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle


Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel
Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos
Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul
Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!
Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl
Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins
Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss
Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads


Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium
Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures
Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!
Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 


Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess
Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs
Valerie Norton, Hot Art


 

Saturday, August 4, 2012

BSBP Partner #2


I told you all a few days ago that I was again in BSBP#6.   I have two partners this time and you can read about my first partner Sara Oehler here. 
My second partner is Michelle Escano-Cabellero. Our reveal date is the final and third reveal on August 25th.  You can find her blog at http://cabbycraft.blogspot.com/.  She is an extremely talented mixed media artist and she mainly works with polymer clay.  Her creations are beautiful! 

These are stunning flowers made by Michelle.  Picture from her blog.
  
She sent me a really cool polymer clay focal that I just love.  I have several ideas rolling abound in my head and believe that I will be giving the finished design to my Mother.  I know she would also really love Michelle’s focal. 
 She also sent me a great mix to go with the gorgeous focal.

She made me the card....she is an very talented woman.

Here is a picture of the soup I got from Michelle's blog.  Her pictures are so much better than mine.
I hope that Michelle does not mind that I got several of the pictures I am using from her blog but they are so much better than mine and I really want you all to appreciate the focal and soup mix.

Michelle also sent me a heart that she made for me as a gift. I LOVE it! 

Just like my previous partners I feel like if I were to meet Michelle in person we could just sit and chat like old friends.  This is one of the best things about participating in these blog hops, meeting and making new friends.  Of course I also LOVE  the challenges. 

Michelle really seems like a very giving and loving person.  She is a member of the Houston Polymer Clay Guild which participates in a project started by Diane Gregoire, in 1999.  Dianne is a cancer survivor and polymer clay artist.  Bottles of Hope are created to cheer up and encourage cancer patients.  Michelle recently made her first bottle of hope and it is really a beautiful work of art.


This is just wonderful.  Picture from Michelle's blog.
  
Michelle also has a FB page and you can follow her on pinterest.  She has an etsy shop but has told me it is currently empty.

Here is the soup that I sent Michelle.

Pic from Michelle's blog :)

The made the copper fold formed leaf and the enamel beads.  The toggle clasp and chain are copper and the other items are a mix of gemstones, czech glass, and crystal.  I can't wait to see what Michelle makes with this soup.  

Friday, August 3, 2012

Creative Chaos: Freebie Friday!

It is the first Friday of the month which means Creative Chaos is doing another giveaway.

Here is a picture from her blog at http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca/2012/08/freebie-friday-8.html showing what she is going to give to one lucky winner.  This is an amazing bead soup in the Pantone fall colors.  Oh I do hope win....randomizer please pick me!!!